What makes teeth sensitive?

Hot and cold foods are well-known triggers for pain or discomfort in people with sensitive teeth. Other triggers for sensitive teeth include: 

• Cold air – Breathing through your mouth in very cold weather can sometimes trigger pain.
• Cold water – Drinking or rinsing your mouth with cold water. This is especially true during your routine dental cleanings.
• Sweet foods and beverages – Eating candy, chocolate, or desserts of any kind.
• Acidic foods and beverages – Acidic Foods can cause pain or discomfort. This includes citrus juices, pickles, wine, sour candies, soda, and energy drinks.
• Brushing or flossing teeth – If your tooth enamel has eroded over time, it may expose the nerve center in the inner layer of your teeth. This is very sensitive and can become irritated when you brush or floss.
• Using mouthwash – Some types of mouthwash may contain alcohol. If your tooth enamel has eroded, using alcohol-based mouthwash can be an irritant and cause discomfort.

People often have sensitive teeth because their tooth enamel has eroded and has become thinner than normal. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects it. When it erodes, the soft inner layers and nerves of the teeth become exposed. Consequently, these exposed nerves cause sharp shooting pain when you eat or drink something.

Tooth enamel may wear down over time due to any number of factors, including:

• Brushing your teeth too hard
• Using a hard toothbrush
• Grinding your teeth at night, causing the enamel to chip or break
• Having acidic foods and drinks regularly
• Having tooth decay, broken teeth, chipped teeth, and worn-down fillings or crowns that expose the nerve endings of your teeth

Additionally, certain medical conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) causes acid to rise from the stomach and esophagus. This may wear down teeth over time.
• Conditions that cause frequent vomiting, including gastroparesis and bulimia, can also cause acid to wear down the enamel.
• Gum recession usually occurs with age and causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, thus exposing the roots of your teeth. Some people may experience temporary sensitivity after dental work, such as getting fillings, crowns, or teeth bleaching. These symptoms usually subside after a few days.

If you have mild sensitivity, you may benefit from over-the-counter (OTC) medication to ease your symptoms. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, special toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, and alcohol-free mouthwash can also be helpful. Typically, you are likely to see improvements within two weeks.

If your tooth sensitivity does not improve with home remedies, you should visit your dentist to diagnose the reason behind the sensitivity. Your dentist can check for cavities, loose fillings, or recessed gums that may be causing the sensitivity. Treatment is usually prescribed to resolve the underlying problem and protect your enamel from further damage. Your dentist may apply a fluoride gel or prescription-grade desensitizing agents in-office. These can help to strengthen the enamel and protect your teeth. In case of intensely receding gums, your doctor may also suggest a gum graft to protect your roots.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is always the best way to ensure your teeth stay healthy. Here are some tips to prevent the discomfort of sensitive teeth: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
• Use gentle strokes while brushing, rather than vigorous or harsh scrubbing.
• Ask your dentist about a mouth guard if you grind your teeth by habit.
• Take special care of your diet and avoid highly acidic food, such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and wine. Or use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Dr. Klemann at Distinctive Dentistry of Clackamas can advise you on the best course of action to resolve any issues with teeth sensitivity.